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Keeping things healthy, but still warm and cozy, with my 30 Minute Creamy Thai Turmeric Chicken and Noodles. This Thai inspired saucy curry is the simplest weeknight dinner. Made with flavorful Thai curry paste, creamy coconut milk, fresh herbs, and lime juice. Toss in seared gingery turmeric chicken and plenty of delicious noodles and it’s hard to beat this easy Thai curry. It’s the perfect any night of the week dinner that’s made in 30 minutes, hearty, and pretty healthy too.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Ground fresh turmeric powder
- Ground ginger
- Kosher salt and Black pepper
- Low sodium soy sauce or Tamari
- Raw Honey
- Sesame oil or or extra virgin olive oil
- Baby bok choy or one bunch kale
- Medium shallots
- Garlic
- Fresh ginger root
- Cilantro
- Thai basil
- Thai red curry paste
- Canned full fat coconut milk
- Fish sauce
- Rice noodles
- Sliced limes
- Shallots
- lemon juice
It feels like it’s been ages since I shared a new recipe, but here we are! The first recipe of 2021. Yes, there were a couple of New Years’ recipes last week, but with New Years’ falling on a Friday and then a long weekend, this is the longest we’ve gone without a new recipe….a whole four days! It felt very weird, and to be honest, it made me totally anxious. I love sharing daily recipes with you guys, it’s actually what I love doing most!
Anyway, I’m back, and we have a week full of fresh new recipes, starting with this cozy, but healthy, Thai curry. We all know I love my Thai inspired recipes and this one is no exception. It’s a hodgepodge of a few of my favorite Thai and Indian based recipes, just simplified into one quick 30 minutes curry that’s extra saucy and a little spicy.
So perfect for these bitter cold wintery days.
The Inspiration.
Like clockwork every January I find myself craving only the most colorful recipes. After months of overly hearty holiday recipes (which are of course delicious), I’m ready for more freshness come January. It’s weird how that shift happens almost immediately after New Years’.
But, you all know me, it’s the dead of winter here in Colorado, and so freezing cold at night. I simply can’t do a recipe that’s not warming, you know? We need creamy sauces, soups, stews, and even some carbs too. All are a must to help get us through these shorter frigid days.
Enter curry! Curries are so easy to load up with vegetables and spices, they make for the perfect winter dinner.
All the very quick details.
As you would guess with a 30 minute cook time, this Thai curry comes together pretty easily.
I like to start with the chicken. I toss it with a ground turmeric, ginger, soy sauce, and honey mixture. This step is key to creating a really flavorful chicken that’s savory, sweet, and spicy. Sear the chicken to give it a little crispiness and caramelization. Then toss in bok choy or any other hearty green and let them sear for a bit. At this point, you’ll remove everything from the pot so that the chicken and greens don’t overcook or lose their crispness.
Then I like to stir in a good amount of shallots and garlic, more ginger, and Thai red curry paste for even more flavor. The trick is to cook everything together for a minute or two before adding in the liquids. This will activate the flavors in the curry paste and give you a richer tasting sauce. Now, just add in all the liquid, stir back in the chicken and bok choy, and simmer everything together for a few minutes.
While that’s happening, boil some noodles. Any noodle works, rice noodles, egg noodles, and even regular pasta, but I love a very thin Thai Vermicelli Rice Noodle. By the time the noodles are ready, the curry should be ready as well.
As this cooks, the aroma in the kitchen is truly incredible. It’s kind of like your favorite Thai spot in town, but at home…so better.
The only real note I have for this recipe is regarding the fish sauce. I know this is such a controversial ingredient, but I always recommend giving the fish sauce a try. Yes, you can use soy sauce instead, but fish sauce is better for this dish. It’s my favorite Thai ingredient, it adds a very savory, salty flavor. And even if you don’t enjoy fish, you’ll enjoy this sauce. I know this from testing out every last Thai recipe I’ve shared with my picky, nonfish eating family members. They never notice a thing. Just be sure not to smell it, the smell isn’t the best, but the flavor is good.
Other than that little note, there’s nothing else to add! This one is simple, healthy, and delicious. Perfect (non-boring) recipe to really kick off the new year!! Oh and lastly, while it’s not traditional to Thai cooking, a side of fresh, warm naan is especially delicious with this creamy curry sauce. Just an idea!
Looking for other healthy dinner recipes? Here are my favorites:
30 Minute Coconut Milk Braised Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Rice
Healthier Italian Wedding Soup with Lemon and Garlic
25 Minute Thai Black Pepper Chicken and Garlic Noodles
Lastly, if you make this 30 Minute Creamy Thai Turmeric Chicken and Noodles, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
What are the health benefits of turmeric?
According to Harvard Health Publishing, turmeric has health benefits for your immune system and helps with inflammation. Read more about its health benefits here: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/turmeric-benefits-a-look-at-the-evidence
How do you make golden milk with turmeric?
To make golden milk, combine 1 to 2 teaspoons of turmeric with 1 cup of warm milk, black pepper, cinnamon, and honey or maple syrup over low heat for about 10 minutes.
30 Minute Creamy Thai Turmeric Chicken and Noodles.
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 606 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Watch the How-To Reel
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- black pepper
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil or extra virgin olive oil
- 4 baby bok choy or 1 bunch kale, chopped
- 2 medium shallots, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro and or Thai basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup Thai red curry paste, using more or less to taste
- 2-3 cups canned full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or low sodium soy sauce)
- 8 ounces rice noodles, thick or thin
- sliced limes, mixed herbs, and thinly sliced shallots, for serving
Instructions
- 1. Toss the chicken with turmeric, ground ginger, pinch of pepper, soy sauce, honey, and 1 tablespoon oil. Let sit 5 minutes.2. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large Dutch oven or braiser over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until browned, about 3 minutes, stirring 2-3 times. Toss in the bok choy and cook 2 minutes more, until just charred on the edges. Transfer everything to a plate.3. To the same Dutch oven, add 2 tablespoons oil, the shallots, garlic, fresh ginger, and cilantro/basil, cook 3 minutes, then stir in the curry paste. Cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in about 2 cups coconut milk and fish sauce. Slide the chicken and bok choy back into the sauce. If you want more sauce, add the additional coconut milk…I always use 3 cups. Simmer over medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly, 5 minutes. 4. Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package directions.5. Divide the noodles between bowls and ladle the chicken and sauce over. Top each bowl as desired with herbs, shallots, and lime juice.
This post was originally published on January 4, 2021
Just made this and it’s amazing. I followed the recipe and added cayenne for some spice. Amazing!
Hey Silvia,
Thanks so much for trying the recipe. I am so glad you enjoyed! xTieghan
So delicious! I didn’t want to go back to the grocery store just to get bok choys. I improvised using green cabbage and added a winter squash from my garden. Just perfect! I’d do it again anytime! Thanks for the recipe!
Hey Marie,
Thanks so much for trying the recipe. I am so glad you enjoyed! xTieghan
Could you do this with green curry instead? Or would you recommend yellow?
Hey Meghann,
Either of those work! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I made this dish last night. I had to sub thin spaghetti noodles for the rice noodles and I used soy instead of fish sauce, but it still tasted great. I had the leftovers for lunch today 🙂
Hey Sandi,
Thanks so much for trying the recipe. I am so glad you enjoyed! xTieghan
Just like all your recipes, this was delicious! I had my friend over who is from Thailand, and she approved!! I make your recipes all the freakin time, and you never disappoint!
Hey Corrie,
Thanks so much for trying the recipe. I am so glad you enjoyed! xTieghan
I’ve never enjoyed cooking till I found your recipes. That’s coming from a Momma of 4 & 20 years of marriage! Ha! Thanks for showing me how to love it!
Thank you so much Jessi!! xTieghan
I haven’t made this recipe yet but I can’t wait to try it. It is on my planner for next week.
Your pictures are awesome and my husband literally drooled when he saw these pictures! Lol!
Happy New Years! I look forward to all your new recipes!
Re Ming:
Commenters who attack and try to hurt others for no reason, must really have a sad, sad grip on life. You handled her atrocious comment with maturity and class. I must say though, I do find it odd that Ming would even comment on your pictures. Hers, are more than a little questionable in “quality,”
Hey Sue,
Thank you so much for your kind message! I hope you love the recipe:) Happy New Year! xTieghan
Just want to say I have never tried a recipe from you that I didn’t love! This one was delicious and so full of flavor, like always! You are the queen of food blogging!
Hey Alexis,
Thanks so much for trying the recipe. I am so glad you enjoyed! xTieghan
Hey! Just wondering how spicy this is? Curious and can I reduce the spice?
Hey Cailyn,
This recipe is not spicy, so you can totally follow it as is! I hope you love the recipe. Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
This was amazing! I just made it for my wife and I for lunch after seeing your ig post this morning. Literally belly full right now! My wife was having a bad day and this lifted her spirits, so thank you!
Hey there,
Thanks so much for trying the recipe. I am so glad you enjoyed! xTieghan
This is delicious, I made it for dinner last night and everyone in my family loved it! I added a thinly sliced red bell pepper and used baby kale. Very excited to have the leftovers for lunch. Great recipe, Tieghan!?
Hey Lori,
Thanks so much for trying the recipe. I am so glad you enjoyed! xTieghan
How do you get such a beautiful browning on your meat? I never have the success you have in your pictures! Curious for any tips.
By the way, I love your recipes!!!
Hey Hilary,
I find my cast iron skillet really helps to brown the meat. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy New Year! xTieghan
This looks so good—I can tell it’s creamy and flavorful and delicious. I’m vegetarian and wondering if/how you recommend replacing the chicken. Thanks!
Hey Nicole,
I think broccoli would work well here. I hope you love the recipe. Please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy New Year! xTieghan
Can I air fry the chicken instead of searing it? I always end up messing up the searing so I’m wondering if this will be an easier alternative.
Hey Divs,
Sorry I’ve not tested this is the air fryer, but you certainly could! I hope you love the recipe! Happy New Year! xTieghan
Can’t wait to try this to warm up the week! Loving your recipes and everything in between — keep sharing 🙂
Thanks so much Judy! Happy New Year! xTieghan